Friday Full Day Workshop 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
1.Principles and Practice of Working Safely with Trauma: An Adlerian/Integrative Approach
Anthea Millar, M.A. Senior Registered Psychotherapist, Cambridge, United Kingdom
How can we ensure safe practice with our clients who have been traumatized, and truly support them in improving the quality of their lives? Whilst helpful for some, trauma memory work is not always necessary, and can actually be harmful. This practical & experiential workshop will introduce the crucial skills of monitoring, assessing and managing differences in hyper- and hypo-aroused states, enabling a safe approach to trauma therapy including selfcare that integrates well with an Adlerian model of psychotherapy.
- Does your Life Have “Style”? – Spark Your Creative Power, Enhance Your Well Being, and Contribute to the World We Share
Pepper Sarnoff, MA. MS, LPC, LMFT, Private Practice, Charleston, SC
How we live & how we die, and how we handle everything in between is reflected in our unique style of life. Adler knew that the creative power of the individual was at the heart of social evolution so let us explore ways to effectively examine, nurture, encourage, and express the uniqueness of our life, relationships, and our therapy as our ART in ACTION.
- Making Memory Maps, Creating Lifestyle
Wes Wingett, Ph.D., L.M.H.P., Norfolk, NE
This didactic and experiential workshop will focus on creating a map of memories from childhood utilizing the psychology developed by Alfred Adler. Emphasis will be on the development and understanding of lifestyle through the study of the family of origin, school, and friends. Applications for personal and professional use for children, adolescents, adults, and aging will be developed.
- The Roadmap to Comprehensive and Ethical Supervision: Adlerian-Based Strategies
Susan Belangee, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, Diplomate NASAP, Canton, GA
Michele Frey, Ph.D., LPC, NCC ACS, CPCS, Diplomate NASAP, Dallas, GA
Participants will learn the Roadmap to Comprehensive & Ethical Supervision developed by the presenters and review basics of Adlerian psychology integrated into the mode. The majority of the workshop focuses on application of Adlerian concepts and the development of a supervision process that is unique to each participant. Teaching modalities will include lecture, demonstrations, dyads, & small group discussion.
Friday AM Half Day Workshop 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Adaptive Reorientation: An Adlerian Treatment Model
Paul Rasmussen, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, S,C,
Erin Schuyler, Psy. D., Clinical Psychologist, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC.
The Adaptive Reorientation model of Adlerian treatment will be presented. Included will be the objectives in counseling and the importance of reorientation. Topics will include the lifestyle assessment, including early recollections and their role in reorientation. Attendees will be taken through the phases of treatment and provided strategies for prompting psychological change. Demonstration and practice will be included.
- Relationships, Boundaries, Emotions & the Purposefulness of Conflict
Gary Bauman, Ph.D., Grad. Coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Psy. Dept. Brenau Univ., Gainesville, GA
Adler identified intimacy as one of the life tasks and indeed it is a task that requires social cooperation. The problem in most relationships is that individuals are bent on pursuing their own private goals without often being aware or mindful of the goals of their partner. These hidden agendas lead to boundary violations and emotional reactivity. A discussion of Adlerian Couples Counseling principles will be discussed and demonstrated.
Friday PM Half Day Workshop 1:30 – 5:00 pm
- Adlerian Case Conceptualization
Jon Sperry, Ph.D. Asst. Professor of Psychology, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL
This presentation describes a step-by-step strategy and process for developing a concise, accurate, and compelling case conceptualization and treatment plan based on the client’s basic pattern of movement which integrates other key Adlerian constructs. A clinical formulation includes a tentative hypothesis about causative factors of psychosocial difficulties, while a treatment formulation links the case conceptualization to treatment plan objectives. These Adlerian formulations will be introduced through the use of several case videos to illustrate the elements of case conceptualization.
- The Use of Encouragement in Private Practice
Geri Carter, MA, LMHC and Timothy D. Evans, Ph.D. LMFT, Carter and Evans Marriage and Family Therapy, Tampa, FL
This presentation will focus on Adler’s idea that “in every step of the treatment, we must not deviate from the path of encouragement.” We will include live demonstrations of counseling tools that facilitate encouragement, motion picture clips and music.
Saturday 75 Minute Presentations
Broad Stoke Lifestyle Assessments – Fears and Desires
Paul Rasmussen, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC
In this brief presentation the broad-brush approach to lifestyle assessment will be presented. This approach allows for a quick lifestyle assessment using family constellation, early recollections and dreams. Participants will be given the opportunity to use the technique to assess personal lifestyle themes. This presentation will include demonstration.
Early Recollections: Connecting the Nouns
Wes Wingett, Ph.D., L.M.H.P. Norfolk, NE
This didactic and experiential presentation will focus on a strategy for understanding early recollections utilizing the names of people, places, and things mentioned in the memory. Theory of early recollections will be presented and will be followed by a demonstration of the process. Emphasis will be on encouragement, equality, and empathy in connecting early memories to current living situations.
Most Memorable Observation
Francis X. Walton, Ph.D. Consulting Psychologist, Chapin, SC
The Most Memorable Observation is an Adlerian technique that employs autobiographical memory in the process of understanding aspects of the client’s belief system. This technique, developed by the presenter, has proven to be a powerful means of formulating aspects of the client’s belief system relative to the presenting problem. The presenter will lecture briefly, demonstrate, and offer opportunities for application of the technique.
Therapeutic Adlerian Group Drumming
Jon Sperry, Ph.D.. Asst. Professor of Psychology, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL
Drum and Music therapy are holistic interventions that assist individuals and groups to foster social interest and well-being. Rhythm and music can help individuals experience joy and also connection to others. As individuals move through time and circumstance, they have the choice to cooperate (maintain rhythm with others) or focus on self-centered strivings (being out of rhythm). This presentation will review evidence-informed therapeutic group drumming interventions that can be used for self-care or with clients in a therapeutic setting.
Parenting Child With Emotional Dysregulation Issues, from Explosive Preschool Tantrums to Non-suicidal Self-injury in Teens
Alyson Schafer, MA, Counselor, Author, Radio Show Host, Toronto, Canada
In this presentation, parents and clinicians will learn about emotional regulation from a holistic perspective. The presenter will cover the biological aspect of threat detection, arousal and aggression as well as the subjective nature of our schemas, private logic, and the usefulness of behavior. Practical advice on how adults can help regulate, co-regulate and teach self-regulation will be covered.
An Introduction to Adlerian Psychology
John Arnold, Ph.D., Senior Executive Consultant, First Sun EAP, Columbia, SC
For those new to Adlerian Psychology, this presentation will provide an overview of the life, work and psychological theory of Alfred Adler. Adler was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud, but his psychology would take a different direction than Freud’s psychology. Goal-oriented behavior, belonging, private logic, social interest and courage are just some of the important elements of Adler’s theory.
Social Interest as a Strategy in Counseling
Susan Belangee, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, Diplomate NASAP, Canton, GA
Adler believed that social interest was the cornerstone of mental health. Many Adlerian therapists recognize its importance, but may struggle to assess and utilize social interest as a strategy in counseling. This presentation offers the chance to think creatively, individually and as a group, about how to turn social interest into a useful tool in the counseling process.
Lifestyle Investigation in Couples’ Therapy: From Competition to Cooperation
Calvin D. Armerding, MA, LPC, Senior Assoc., Travelers Rest Counseling Assoc., Travelers Rest, SC
When marriages/partnerships become difficult, points of conflict and frustration can be understood as an expression of the lifestyles of the individuals involved. The investigation of lifestyles in couples’ counseling is an underutilized approach that can improve understanding and empathy, which are vital components of building cooperation between partners. Specific strategies will be discussed and demonstrated.
Adler in 5 Minutes! (or a little bit longer. . .)
Les White, Psy.D., Harold Washington College, Retired, Adj. Prof. Adler University, Chicago, IL
“Adler in 5 Minutes!” reviews the major Adlerian concepts – in a quick five minutes! – and then introduces a variety of experiential games to further understand them. The presentation includes a fun and simple demonstration of how to conduct a brief Lifestyle – with a member (or two) from the “audience”.
Adlerian Play with Children
Lindsay Hill, M.Ed., NCC, LPC-I, Travelers Rest Counseling Assoc., Travelers Rest, SC
Therapists who work with children can feel stuck utilizing traditional talk therapy strategies, in part because many children communicate primarily through non-verbal means, including play. This presentation will provide an overview of Adlerian play therapy, practical tools for understanding and using metaphors during play, and strategies to help clients “work through” challenges to help them regain emotional and social health.
Mental Health Diagnoses: Useful or Useless
Patrick Steele, Psy.D., Columbia Psychiatric Associates, Columbia, SC
The presentation will include Adler’s thoughts on classification as well as shortcoming for mental health clinicians in modern clinical practice. The session will conclude with proposed methods for minimizing harm caused by self-fulfilling prophesies.
Paving the Way for Social Interest in Young Childeren
Cindy Walton-McCawley, M. Ed., Coordinator, Adlerian Child Care Centers, Columbia, SC
Parents of children form birth to age 5 are in the unique position to lay the foundation for their child’s development of social interest. This presentation will offer a brief overview of Adlerian Parenting Theory. Parenting techniques that promote children to develop responsibility, cooperation and concern for others will also be discussed.
The Fabric of Loving Relationships
Mel Markowski, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
“LOVE” is a term that has been misused so frequently to describe so many things that is has lost the essence of being a human virtue. A philosophical and psychological definition and the processes of developing and maintaining loving relationships will be articulated and discussed. Additionally, love as described by young children and by happily married couples, will be presented.
Cyber Lifestyles and the Internet Generation
Anthony Fatzinger, Psy.D., Capt. U.S. Army MedCom (US),
Greg Liberadzki, Psy.D. Capt. U.S. Army MedCom (US)
The presentation will focus on discussing similarities between cyber and internet generation lifestyles. Common stuck points found in the life tasks will be identified and discussed. Emphasis will be placed on helping clients get out of their heads, accept the world, and deal with their feelings. Techniques and interventions aimed to increase useful ways to overcome obstacles and discouragement will be discussed. Finally, discussion will focus on utilization of social interest and encouragement for increasing client’s navigation of life tasks.
Ha, Ha & ha* Revisited
Robert McBrien, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus & Diplomate in Adlerian Psychology, Salisbury, MD
Revisiting Mosak’s book on the role of humor in psychotherapy updates Mosak’s use of humor back in 1987. Updates include applications from biopsychosocial, neuroscience and resilience science. Adlerian fundamentals, especially encouragement, bolstered by Positive Psychology based studies, remain key to the effective integration of humor in counseling in 2018. Participants offer “real world” examples of using humor in counseling.
Utilizing a Contextual Historical Relational Lifestyle Assessment (CHRLAS): A Counseling Demonstration
Thomas Garcia, LMHC. CAP. MAC, ACS, Tampa, FL
This presentation will demonstrate the use of the Contextual Historical Relational Lifestyle Assessment (CHRLA), a specific technique with roots in Adlerian psychology that can assist clinicians and other healthcare providers during the initial client interview. The counseling demonstration will explore the client’s historical relevance of early relationships. Narratives and personal “fictions” pertaining to the client’s private logic will be explored.
A Holistic Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Diane Snyder, Psy.D., Asst. Professor of Psychology, Bethany College, Bethany, WV
Much of the prevailing treatment for autism spectrum disorder focuses on a reductionistic approach. In this presentation we will take a more encouraging approach toward understanding autism. The presenter’s original phenomenological research will be discussed as a framework toward a more holistic understanding and treatment of autism.
Adlerian Play Therapy Approach in Context of Child Counseling Services
Linda Jamaludin, Ph.D. Student, Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia.
Adlerian play therapy is a counseling approach based upon Adlerian Psychological theory. In Adlerian theory, children are understood from their social interaction using the holistic interpretation of behavior. Adlerian play therapy is a specific method to conduct counseling for children. This report of research brings positive implications on the counseling services in Malaysia.
The Family Council – 12 Years Later
Rob Guttenberg, MA, Diplomate NASAP, Director of Parent Education & Family Counselor, YMCA, Youth and Family Services, North Potomac, MD
The presenter has videotaped his interview with members of a family twelve years after they were featured in a video of their use of the family council. This is an opportunity to see and hear the observations of family members twelve years after their involvement in regular use of family meeting. The initial video was used by “The 700 Club” talk show host Pat Roberson.
Simplicity is the Key for Family Counseling Success
John A. Shalhoub, LPC. NCC. MHC. GC., D. Min., Ph.D. U. S. Navy Commander Chaplain, Retired, Presently Serving St. Nicholas Orthodox Chapel, Camp Lejuene, NC
The presenter developed a pragmatic simple approach to family counseling in order to overcome the myriads of problems that are undermining married life. The irony of success in family counseling is simplicity and simple talks with the patient in a simple language – “To talk, to listen and to have genuine intent.” His counseling style is based upon the belief that behavior is goal directed and inferiority stands in the way of healing and reconciliation.
Sunday Workshops 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A. Being in the Moment
Bonny Buckley, MA Expressive Therapies and Mental Health Counseling, LPCS, NCC, Greensboro, NC
In this workshop we will explore the history and various benefits of Mindfulness, connections from an Adlerian perspective, as well as experience different ways to practice (by choice and comfort level) being more mindful and ’Being in the Moment.’ All experience levels are welcomed. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably.
B. Creating Equality: An Adlerian Approach to Relationships
Pearnel Bell, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice, Jamaica
David P. Sarnoff, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, ABPP, Capella University, Charleston, SC,
Pepper Sarnoff, MS, MA, LPC, LMFT, Private Practice, Charleston, SC
Adler said, “Equality is the ironclad principle of social living” and is the foundation of democratic living. Despite our differences, how do we create equality in relationships? Integrating Individual Psychology concepts of Encouragement, Social Interest, Inferiority, Superiority with Systems Theory and development research, we examine equality in our intimate relationships, friendships, and work. Using didactic and experiential methods we collaboratively examine equality from 21st century perspectives of gender, race, culture and identity, with applications for counseling.
C. Tools for Assessing Pre-Marital and Marital Relationships
Mel Markowski, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
The workshop will introduce a method for assisting individuals preparing for marriage or married individuals seeking therapy. Materials used and discussed will be the Taylor Johnson Temperament Analysis, the Primary Perceptual Modality Inventory, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and an Adlerian process of eliciting and using First Date Recollections and Fantasies.
D. “Funtastic” Adlerian Techniques for Change
Rob Guttenberg, MA, Diplomate NASAP, Director of Parenting Education & Family Counselor, YMCA, Youth and Family Services, North Potomac, MD
In this action oriented workshop, participants will learn to apply Aderian child guidance principles and practices to stimulate cooperation and mutual respect. Encouragement skills and effective discipline approaches will be presented through a series of entertaining and revealing experiential exercises, metaphors, anecdotal stories and jokes.
E. Counseling Individual Adults
Francis X. Walton, Ph.D. Consulting Psychologist,, Chapin, SC
The presenter will relate principles of Adlerian psychology to counseling with adults. Subsequently he will demonstrate the use of seven questions that have proven valuable to helping formulate important aspects of the client’s belief system. The presenter then will relate aspects of the client’s belief system to his or her presenting problem. Participants will have the opportunity to use the approach under supervision.
